[Tango-L] Bailonga: The Alternative to the Milonga

[Tango Society of Central Illinois]

In Buenos Aires, the music played for dancing tango is almost
exclusively classic tango music from the 1930s, 40s, and 50s. The rare
exceptions are more modern recordings of traditional tangos played in
the style of the golden age.

Outside Argentina it is rare to find a 'milonga' that follows this
format. Most tango DJs play at least some neo-tango (tango fusion) or
non-tango music to which dancers do steps associated with tango. If
neo-tango/non-tango music makes up a significant portion of the music
program, these events are sometimes advertised as 'alternative
milongas'. This labeling assists dancers in knowing what to expect
with regards to the music played. However, this terminology is not
used consistently.

Given the tango traditions of Buenos Aires, it is questionable whether
it is justifiable to call a dance event a 'milonga' when a significant
proportion of music played is neo-tango/non-tango music. In Argentine
Tango culture, a milonga has a specific meaning, with regard to the
music, and with regard to other customs. For the purpose of cultural
validity, one should use tango-related terms accurately. In Buenos
Aires, a dance event advertised in El Tangauta or BA Tango that has a
significant portion of non-tango music is called a 'baile' instead of
a .milonga'. Of course, in Buenos Aires, what is danced to non-tango
music is usually swing or cumbia or chacarera, as appropriate for the
rhythm of the music.

I have been hoping that alternative-to-tango music aficiandos would
come up with a term for their dance events that did not use the word
'milonga'. This evening I accidentally came across a web page using
the term 'bailonga' for a dance event where the preponderance of music
played for doing tango steps is neo-tango/non-tango. I googled the
term and came up with another webpage using the term 'bailonga' for a
music program of the same type:

http://www.tangocenter.org/group/bailonga

http://www.demetriusgonzalez.com/tango/bailonga.html

For clarity in communication regarding the music played at a dance
event, I highly recommend universal adoption of the term 'bailonga'
for those where the music program contains a significant proportion of
neo-tango/non-tango music intended for doing tango steps.

Those who enjoy milongas dancing to the music of classic tango will thank you.

Ron